After reading the first quarter of this novel, I feel both disappointed yet exhilarated. While the first four chapter were filled with action, excitement, and suspense, I felt as if the rest of the first part of the novel did not fill me with the same strong feelings. I found myself wanting the book to travel at a faster pace, yet I understand the author’s need to develop these characters due to the length of the series. Additionally, I enjoy the perspective in which this novel was written because the reader is forced to worry about the main character battling both a life-threatening illness and an incredibly difficult case at the same time. I enjoy how this book is written in a women’s perspective because when a person generally thinks of FBI, an image of a strong man pops into their head. This novel helps to battle these gender stereotypes.

The characters in this novel seem very relatable due to how two of the main characters have gone through divorces which is a reality for a lot of families today. Although I cannot relate to the novel in this sense, I relate to both of Raleigh’s sons, Jason and Teddy, because I am an athletic powerhouse like Jason and intelligent like Teddy. Also, the plot of this novel is very believable because in this day in age, crimes such as the ones presented in the novel do occur. The ways in which the case is being solved can also relate to modern day crime solving methods because the technology and techniques the crime solvers are using are relevant. The main plot line is quite slow at this point in the novel, yet a new spark of interest was recently added at the tail end of this section of the novel which describes a new newlywed couple who may be the killer’s next target. The plot is suspenseful because the reader does not know what will happen to this new couple and how Lindsay Boxer, the main character, will deal with her life-threatening illness.

The only change I would make in this novel so far is that I would take out the underlying issue with Lindsay’s new partner at work because it seems a little unnecessary. While older readers might enjoy a little spark between criminal case partners, I find this distracting to the overall plot of the novel. I understand that it may need to develop further to become relevant to the plot or if this “crush” helps Lindsay feel more empathetic to the reader yet at this point in the story, I could do without it. So far, the novel needs only small tweaks, yet I hope that the pace picks up significantly heading into the second quarter of the novel.

14 responses to “1st To Die by James Patterson –1st quarter”

As I read the first chapters I agree with your description, Madeline, that the beginning was intense but the excitement died down too quickly. I liked how the topics of chapters shifted abruptly to surprise the reader. For example, the first chapter/ prologue began with a character contemplating suicide, where the next chapter captured the joyous spirit following a wedding. The next chapter displays a vicious and twisted murder followed by the revelation that the main character suddenly has a fatal disease. The plot then shifts to the life of an everyday homicide detective. While the story at this point can be confusing, I understand that in addition to Patterson’s need to develop his setting and characters, he is writing the novel in a way that demonstrates how a case would be shaped in real life (slowly), as well as effecting the pace of everyday life. Also, I think James Patterson, while slowly building the plot, did a phenomenal job with characterization and description. I especially enjoyed the brief excerpts describing the actions and thoughts that go through the head of the murderer as they were the most fast paced and revealing chapters throughout the first quarter. It was chilling as well to know that, although only a novel, there are people in the real world who think in the same twisted way, which leads to terrible yet purposeful catastrophes. The first example of this occurs in only the second chapter, with the death of the first victims, as the killer Phillip Campbell fatally stabs the groom and he “stiffened in a spasm of shock and pain… this is amazing, Campbell thought” (Patterson 13). Then as the bride pleads for her life he says, “I’m here to save you” (Patterson 14). It is fascinating how Patterson seems to so easily capture the eerie thoughts of a killer in such simple sentences, but also so powerfully.

Madeline, I agree as well with your opinion on the unnecessary inclusion of a budding romance between partners. However I understand a few of the reasons of why it was added. The target audience is adults, and it seems that and adult novel is not an adult novel without a good romance. Also, a main part of the writing style chosen by Patterson reflects a model of real life and in real life there are many variables occurring at a time, including in this case, a murder, a romance, a fatal disease, and a killer on the loose. Also the addition of a relationship has the potential to be used as a sharp contrast; love and death. The main characters take an opportunity to enjoy themselves and fall love, while families are torn apart with the viscous murders of their dearest friends at the hand of a mysterious murderer. Another route this could take is the struggle of a relationship in light of a fatal disease. However I personally think that it was not necessary and takes away from the most interesting topic in the book, murder. True to Patterson’s writing style, I am sure the book will pick up pace soon enough with plenty of shocking twists, and even though it is slow now, I’m sure that soon I will not be able to put it down, so I cannot wait to read the rest.

In the first few pages of First to Die I found myself horrified and entranced in the book to a level that astounded me. The murders were like train wrecks that were so grotesque it hurt to look at them and at the same time it hurt to look away. James Patterson seemed to thoroughly enjoy hitting you with tragedy, after tragedy, after tragedy and watching you fail to juggle them all. Two people are killed (who were madly in love and ready to start off their life), one was raped after death, Lindsay gets fatal anemia, the divorce, the breast cancer, So Madeline and Holly, yes, the drama was something that I wholeheartedly applaud Mr. Patterson on. After I got over being significantly disturbed I was able to recognize that it did lull in a sense yet that didn’t really frustrate me. It wasn’t a book that had my heart racing, it could be due to the number of books in the series, yet I still wanted the case to be solved all the same.

The plot structure itself remains tantalizing. In a murder mystery there are three aspects that have to be applied for the story to be effective. There needs to be tension, personal involvement game format, and consequences. The tension was definitely there throughout the story and kept the reader invested in the lives of those who were killed. One of the most interesting things that a murder mystery must have is the book seeming like a game to the reader. The reader must believe it is a competition to the end between them and the killer. Lastly, the personal involvement is demonstrated throughout the humanity of Lindsay and her relatability.

The character are not deeply delved into yet they intrigued me all the same. Phillip Campbell is a character that deeply disturbs me to a level that Patterson illustrated beautifully. Like Holly mentioned, the killers thoughts and actions were so twisted yet fascinating in way that was masterful. Lindsay herself is unbearably human, burdened with the loneliness of a divorce and the sudden introduction a fatal disease. Lindsay is the one who cries at the crime scene, the one who desperately wishes for a friend, the one who sees a man and thinks wishes for romance, the one who is scared of love. In a way Patterson uses Lindsay’s flaws as a way for the readers to relate to the character and empathize with her struggle throughout the book. This brings a level of relatability that usually cannot be achieved in a murder mystery. Something I would change would be the disjointedness of Cindy’s narrative versus Lindsay’s’ narrative. In the beginning the two do have much correlation so the unpredictable change in voice was jarring and confusing. Overall, I really enjoyed the first half and look forward to getting to the rest.

After reading the second quarter of the novel, I can see where the budding romance was heading and I see your point Holly. Since I am a younger reader of this novel, it is easy to forget that this book is written for an older age group that may appreciate the added affect of romance. I also agree with Holly’s comparison of life and death as it relates to the novel, and I hope that Patterson continues to develop this idea as the reader continues to be pulled into the novel.

Both Anushka and Holly mentioned that there is a way in which Patterson describes the killings that almost makes the reader agree with the killings even though what the Campbell is doing is morally wrong on so many levels. After the second killing occurred, I took note of the vibrant yet cynical imagery Patterson used to describe the killing. He wrote, [Campbell] emptied the gun into Becky and Michael DeGeorge” (102). While reading this made me partially sick to my stomach, this vivid description helps me experience the murder although I do not want to. Patterson uses this startling imagery to show the reader how twisted the mind of Campbell is and possibly why he is committing these murders.

The first quarter of the novel started with a few exhilarating chapters followed with plot development, and ended with some suspense and I feel that this was repeated in this quarter as well. This quarter starts off with a newlywed killing which was foreshadowed by the suspenseful last chapters of the first quarter. The first half of the book then ends with the prospect of the detectives possibly figuring out who Campbell is truly which leaves the reader with a cliffhanger. While I was dying to learn about the next killing after the end of the last quarter, this time I cannot wait to learn the identity of the killer.

In comparison to the first quarter, I feel that this section of the novel went at somewhat of a quicker pace which I appreciated. Instead of one there was two killings and the killer is now identified as having a red beard and the detectives are getting closer to figuring out who Campbell is. Patterson writes in such a suspenseful way, and it is no wonder that I am on the edge of my seat as I head into the second half of the novel.

After reading the second quarter of the novel, I am deeply satisfied. Like Madeline said, the quarter started with another killing, but the way Patterson delves into not only the details of murder but also the mind of a killer is fascinating. Rather than only gruesomely describe the events as they unfold, Patterson includes thoughts and emotions within the killer. Campbell repeats, “What is the worst thing anyone has ever done? Can I do it again? More to the point, can I ever stop doing it?” Then “with a chill in his heart, he watched them kiss… he hated every smug deluded, pore in their bodies” (113). These descriptions give insight into Campbell’s character, but, it seems, not enough insight. The reader is desperate to know what went so wrong in Campbell’s life that spurred this sick, twisted form of thinking. What tragic event had changed the good things of life into something to hate? What made murdering innocent couples exciting, and caused such relish and pleasure? Unfortunately this quarter does not answer these questions, however, descriptions such as this pile on the suspense, causing the book to be difficult to put down.

As Madeline also said, I too was very interested to find out who Phillip Campbell was, as a person, not just a murderer, and how the main characters discover this. This interest only mounts as Lindsay discovers evidence and physical descriptions that put a face to the hatred. The case evolves slowly and that allows the reader to relate to Lindsay. She wants to crack the case as much as the reader wants her to, meaning desperately. So as the case chugs slowly along, there is an underlying frustration that relates the reader to the characters. Along with frustration, the reader also feels the excitement and tension as new clues are discovered, like the red beard and the haunting face in relation to the killer. Also, the characters are not only dealing with this case. Like in real life, they each have their own problems such as the development of Lindsay’s disease, which was another way to tie the readers to the characters.

Again, I agree with Madeline that this section is developing faster than the last. There was a revelation moment that I thought was important in this section. It occurred when Lindsay was asked why the murders were occurring and what the killer was after. She answered, “He was after happiness, dreams, expectations. He was trying to destroy the one thing that kept us all going: hope” (162). Now, Lindsay is starting to understand the motive, which again raises the question what hope had been crushed for him that had spurred him to destroy others. This also emphasizes, in a very drastic way that hope is important for humans in general to carry on.

I was very intrigued in this section and think that Patterson did a phenomenal job moving the story along just enough to leave the readers ready for more. I am very excited for the second half of the novel.

The second quarter of the novel was a roller coaster of emotions I happily delved into. As Madeline mentioned, The book moved at a faster pace than the beginning and added another level to the book that wasn’t present before. The accelerated timeline helps conveys the “upping-of-the-stakes” as the deaths are continuing and the case continues to be as confusing as ever. Additionally, in Lindsay’s personal life her disease is becoming more dangerous to her lifestyle and her career. The frustration in the characters due to the events in the book is correlated to the reader’s frustration about the nasty and fanatical Phillip Campbell. Patterson’s placement of events in the plot help develop the parallel frustration in the book and through the reader.

Romance in a murder mystery novel is tricky business as it does distract from the central conflict and muddies the plot. Patterson, however, is doing a good job of incorporating the romance into the book without distracting too much from the morbid deaths and the psychotic commentary of the killer. Her romancer is also part of the investigation and knows of her illness, so he is not set too far apart from the central plot. As Holly and Madeline did mention, the book also needs to sell to readers of all ages, and the love story does help promote it to the public. Since all of us are younger, we might not fully understand the reasoning behind it.

The killers thoughts and the investigations were even more fascinating than the first part as Campbell is even more clever than I ever imagined. His honing in on newlyweds makes it seem like there is a personal motive or reasoning behind his killings, which makes the book even more appealing. On the back of the book, it also mentions that the book eventually leads to a girl group that solves crime by themselves. Through the second quarter it was easy to see that developing, and I am curious to know the importance of the group as the book progresses.

Phillip Campbell himself is one of the most fascinating and disturbing antagonists that I have ever had the privilege of reading, and I look forward to uncovering the real person behind the mask.

The third section of the novel begins with the suspenseful manhunt of the perceived killer by Lindsay and her team. Anushka, Holly, and I seemed to prefer a faster plot pace, and the third section seems to give it to us. While there may have been no new killings, the reader wants to know who the murderer could possibly be, and Patterson delievered. After the third section of the novel, the reader not only knows who the killer is, but that there is evidence stacked against him. I am a litte disappointed that there was not another murder, only because I found those scenes stock full of vividly disturbing imagery.

In this section, the author decided to add another layer to the puzzle, a novel the suspect wrote titled “Always a Bridesmaid”. This book helps clarify that Nicholas Jenks is the murderer to the reader who had previously thought that Campbell was the murderer. Campbell is the main character in Jenks’s novel, and while we were able to see his perspective a few times throughout the novel, the reader has yet to experience Jenks’ perspective.

The section ends with a romantic scene shared by Lindsay and Chris. This scene helps show that their relationship is going somewhere. Every story has a climax, and I cannot tell if this is the climax for their relationship. However, there is always a drop-off after a climax and I could not bear to see Lindsay’s heart broken by Chris. Lindsay has gone through so much already, battling a deadly disease and solving a confusing case, and I hope that she is able to wrap up the case without anymore deaths and live happily with Chris.

As Madeline said, this section of the book did begin to pick up the pace at least in the investigation. The main characters begin to connect the cases together to pinpoint Jenks as the murderer. Patterson does a good job building this up, giving obscure facts that, being a normal person and not a detective, I may not have originally caught. During this quarter, Lindsay is finally able to confront the murderer, which, I think, relieves the reader and releases the tension of the chase. Honestly, though, this confrontation infuriated me. The thing that angered me the most though, as much as it angered Lindsay, was the utter coolness and nonchalance with which Jenks denied everything, while a whole case was stacked against him. Patterson did a fantastic job as well connecting the reader’s feelings to Lindsay’s feelings. For example, I was personally feeling proud of the characters when “ I [Lindsay] felt a surge of triumph rippling through me when the judge struck his gavel and intoned, ‘Bail denied” (348).

As I was reading this section I was thinking about the reason for Jenks to assume the form of Campbell, the murderer and main character in the book that Madeline mentioned, Always a Bridesmaid. I agree with Madeline with the fact that I want a chapter or something from Jenks perspective that would show me why? As that is the question I have been repeatedly asking myself throughout the story.

Another important idea in this section is the importance of friendship. There is a chapter in the story where Lindsay meets with her friends, Claire, Jill, and Cindy, and they offered her strength and encouragement when she was feeing so hopeless with her disease. Honestly, if she had tried to keep it a secret, she would not have survived as long as she has, and it shows that it is important to have people to confide in.

Lastly, I find it interesting how Patterson can juggle different situations yet not accidentally confuse the reader. He has events going along with Lindsay’s disease, Chris, the murders, and the murderer, yet it is written in a way that can be sorted out. Personally I like this because it makes the story more realistic, personal events along with those that many people are involved in. At this point, it seems as if there is not much more that Patterson can do but there is still a quarter of the book left, so I am concerned that something horrible is going to happen because Patterson is not a write who slows down at the end. I’m excited to finish it up and see what Patterson has in store for the now beloved, or completely hated, characters.

As Madeline mentioned, the romantic tension of Chris and Lindsay is something that has me fully invested. Lindsay and Chris’s relationship seems to heighten the tension of the case and enhance the her terror of her disease. Lindsay is a wonderful character who has gone through many heartbreaks before, and I fear what would happen to her id her relationship with Chris is ended. It is unclear to whether their relationship is going to continue, but that fact adds to the realism of the plot. In real situation people can’t usually tell the fate of their romantic connections and whether they are a good idea or not. After Lindsay’s struggle with whether she should be with Chris because of her disease and the events in her life, she deserves the have someone to live out her days with.

“Always a Bridesmaid” is an element to the plot that complicates the already twisted knot of the case. Nicholas Jenks and Philip Campbell’s thoughts are synonymous, showing how twisted of a character Jenks really is. The novel is an ingenious idea as the murders are the same as those happening in real life, further condemning Nicholas Jenks as the killer. Jenks insanity is unsettling and chilling as the murders continue.

Holly mentioned the characters bonding, and in this section we begin to see more character development and the way the people in the story fit together. Previously, we had all the separate pieces, but as the book progresses we are able to put them together. I found myself more connected and empathetic with the characters and the events in the book as I started to learn more about each one of them.

I must first mention the huge twist presented to the readers during this section. Just when the reader believed that the killer was caught and they finally let out a sigh of relief, Patterson rapidly switched gears. I was then forced to pretend that I knew all along that Jenks was not the killer, however the person who I now believed was the killer was also incorrect. In the last quarter of the novel, Patterson made me think deeply about the novel, and also what great mind dreamt up such a captivating story.

It would also be a disservice to the novel if I were not to mention the heart wrenching ending. While with Lindsay’s disease, one would expect her to be at the brink of death, it was her lover, Chris, who died at the end of the novel. After bearing the deaths of three newlywed couples, the reader is forced to grieve the death of Chris. This section in which the author explains his death leaves the reader at the brink of tears, and I feel empathy for Lindsay. While the relationship between Chris and Lindsay was not my favorite part of the novel, at this moment, I feel the pain that Lindsay must have felt, and their relationship takes full force of the novel. Patterson wrote this scene in a way that conveys the raw emotion that Lindsay and Chris shared at this moment. I found myself caring about Chris, showing that the author fully developed Chris as a relatable character.

The last quarter of this novel presented a shocking ending that allows answers but also questions. Like Madeline said, Patterson had the reader convinced that Jenks was the murderer. Then the reader rapidly finds out new details at the same time as Lindsay, while Patterson reveals new events so quickly that it can be confusing. Chessy confesses to the crimes, and the reader has been given enough facts to believe her. And technically it is true. However, in the last chapter Patterson throws in a surprise ending revealing the mastermind was truly Jenks. This begs the question, who was Campbell? Throughout the novel, the murders are committed from the view of a fictional character. So whose perspective was it? Patterson leaves a few loose ends or questions like this that cause the reader to think much further than what is on the page. I, like Madeline, was captivated and forced to think deeply about the novel.

In the confrontation between the police and the murderers, Chris was killed. This added a much more personal twist to the story that really allowed the reader to see different sides to the same person. Through the relationship between Chris and Lindsay, the reader was able to see Lindsay in her best and worst, and in between, which made her even more relatable. Finally, Lindsay is becoming increasingly better and fighting her illness that was introduced at the beginning of the novel, wrapping up all of the large problems in her life. Overall, I felt that this was an amazing and suspenseful book and I cannot wait to read the sequels.

The last quarter of the novel was the most interesting as it fully exposed one of the most captivating murder schemes in the course of a few chapters. Holly, Madeline, and I have been bemoaning and revering the plot of the book and it was absolutely fascinating to see all the pieces of the puzzle fall together. The reader is jarred back and forth when Jenks is proclaimed the murder, then Chessy, then both of them. All the while Jenks is being tried, Lindsey still has doubts that prevent the reader from settling at keeps them securely on the edge of their seat. The twist was done extremely masterfully, and the portrayal of Chessy’s character was heartbreaking.

Just like Both Madeline and Holly mentioned, the death of Chris was absolutely tragic. The reader had travelled throughout the novel with the knowledge of Lindsey’s disease and thoughts of her possible death. Chris’s death in replacement of hers was brutal. The moment was especially tragic as if he had not died they would have been “in the clear,” so to say. Just as Lindsey could feel their future on her fingertips, her love was ripped from her arms by death. Patterson had developed all his characters in a way that the reader ended up caring about their fate, and grieved their death and misfortune.

Final Review 10/10
I would definitely give 1st to Die a ten out of ten. The writing style was masterful, gut-wrenching and thought-provoking, while expertly setting up the base of what I’m sure will turn out to be an amazing series.
For those who have not read the book, it follows homicide detective Lindsay as she solves the case of a slew of murders. The murders occur in pairs, a newly married man and his wife. Lindsay deals with multiple problems and distractions in her life while still keeping her eyes on the goal of catching the murderer before he can kill again.

Patterson begins this novel with a simple enough scene that shows the joy of a newly married couple. The next chapter lets the reader into the mind of a killer and murderer, following the gruesome murder of that same couple, juxtaposing the ideas of love and death. This makes the reader uneasy about any “happier” moments throughout the novel and makes the deaths seem more horrible than they already would have been. By giving parts of the victims’ story, they become relatable, causing their deaths to be more of a blow. Showing a glimpse of the life they had made them more of a person, rather than just more names on paper.

I admired as well, how the author really got into the head of a complete lunatic, calculated and cool, but absolutely insane nonetheless, and expressed the ideas so well. With the sick questions visible to the readers that float around the killer’s head, the reader is allowed a horrifying glimpse that is really just shocking and revolting at the same time. These small passages really only reveal questions not answers, which definitely keeps the plot moving, and the pages turning.

Patterson also did a fantastic job leading the reader in one direction by leaving subtle hints and logical clues. This creates strong feelings in the reader, and gives a definite opinion, making the multiple plot twists even more shocking when they occur. He leads the reader to believe one thing the entire time, but at the end of a single chapter will have them second-guessing themselves, causing their entire theory to come crashing down with a few sentences. Because who doesn’t read mysteries and try to solve it before the book ends? Patterson makes that virtually impossible with the fast paced final chapters, adding one more murder to really make it personal for main character.

I also appreciated how Patterson shows the effect of a loved one’s death and also the importance of friends in that sadness. A lot of mysteries just show the deaths and the case, but this book seems more personal, stressing that even strong characters can break under the weight of grief. The book also shows how empathetic friends are important in those situations, as they were the ones that pulled the main character out of depression. Patterson slips in small simple messages such as these throughout the book which add small pockets of thought in an otherwise suspenseful, thrilling novel.

I would recommend this book from teens up to adults because it does contain a little bit of mature content throughout the story, not because of confusing ideas. Overall, I enjoyed this fast-paced novel and am anxious to see what the Women’s Murder Club has in store with the next thirteen or so novels in the series.

James Patterson, author of the novel 1st to Die, certainly did not disappoint readers with this thrilling yet heart-wrenching novel. With murder to romance, this novel had something for everyone. The novel started off with a suspenseful hook, pulling the readers into this intriguing landscape only a great mind could capture. Set in a current setting, the reader is able to connect this novel to at least one major show on television, showing the novel’s relevance.
The plot line is one very relatable to the twenty-first century, helping the readers understand a somewhat confusing plot line by using relatable characters and professions. Yes, the novel did get quite graphic at times, yet these are the crimes which are taking place today and it would be doing an injustice to the victims if the author did not shed light on the downright disgustingness of the crimes.
The novel also includes several strong female characters which helps counteract common stereotypes of today. A female in a role of power whose assistant is a male helps show empower women to take on any profession they want to, even in law enforcement which is already seen to be a profession run by males.
Sure, the novel has blood and gore, but it also has romance too. Although the relationship between Lindsay and Chris was what I felt to be a little distracting, I understand that this book is written for an older audience and therefore this audience may appreciate a little romance between two main characters. Another relationship was the one between the group of women who worked together to solve the case. I particularly enjoyed this addition because I believe that it is again very relatable to the readers because we can all think back to a time we called upon our friends to help us with a difficult problem.
Overall, 1st to Die nailed it in terms of suspense, a thrilling hook, and overall plot line including the numerous twists. Maybe the plot line should have been at a slightly faster pace, yet I found that it helped to build the suspense and keep the readers itching for more. A little romance and a main character being on the brink of death were nice additions, and the incredibly detailed, maybe at times a little too detailed story left the readers ready to dive right into the second novel.

James Patterson’s novel First To Die is a masterfully written book that astounded the reader with the intricacies of murder. The plot and idea behind the book is beautiful in its juxtaposition of the joy of marriage and the horror of death. Patterson’s writing style weaves a story that encaptures the reader in its simultaneously gut wrenching and hopeful storyline. Writing a murder mystery requires skill, something that Mr. Patterson has in spades.

The book opens with the tragic murder of a young couple right after their wedding. Patterson writes of how the bride was brutally murdered than violated horrifically sexually. I respected Patterson’s willingness to write the scenes of homicide how they are in real life. If I had shirked the full disgusting details of what happens during murder the book would not have been realistic and would not have fully demonstrated how twisted a murderer really is. The more the reader reads the more they get attached and the more they feel the blow of each death. The writer also adds an element of personal tragedy as the main character is diagnosed with a life threatening disease during the timeline of the case. By doing this, the main character was put into a position of vulnerability and became more relatable.

During the murders the reader was able to get into the head of the murderer. By reading the insane thoughts of the murder the reader is able to get more insight into the character and becomes invested in their incarceration. This tactic of changing the point of view to the murder made the book extremely fascinating and engaging.

The use of a strong female lead was very inspiring as many books paint the woman as a meek and unintelligent character. Instead, Patterson makes Lindsey a strong and smart character that deals with all the problems in her life with grace. When Chris, the romantic interest, came into the picture Lindsey did not become completely reliant on him and give up her life. By having the female in an empowered position, the book became more realistic and relevant.

Overall, I wholeheartedly enjoyed the book and its writing. I would recommend the book to people who are in their teens or adulthood and can handle gory scenes of murder. The story is educational about law enforcement and is applicable to the homicides of the twenty-first century. I look forward to reading the next 12-13 in the series!